Hedda Gabler Assignment – Sumi Paul

The film and the written versions of the play are very similar. The written version however does include more details about Hedda Gabler and her intentions. The written version explains more thoroughly by having the notes of what the character is doing. The film version cuts a few scenes that could be helpful in understanding the characters better. For example, when Aunt Julie was there and she was speaking to Mr. Tesman, they did not have the full conversation as it was written. Without this part, it does not allow the audience to learn that Mr. Tesman had taken Hedda to this trip with him because she wanted to go. It shows that he would do anything for Hedda no matter the cost. He even brought the house that she said she always wanted just for her to be happy. The film had skipped the conversation where Aunt Julie was telling him how expensive it must have been to go on that trip. Her concerns for the expenses shows that Mr. Tesman does not mind the expenses cause he just wants to make sure that Hedda is happy with the marriage. The film however does help to give a visual representation of how manipulative Hedda is. I actually felt as though reading the play has given me a better representation of the play because it was more detailed. While reading I was able to create an image in my head. The written version gave clear details of the settings and the actions of the characters, which helped create a movie in my head. The film however did help give a general sense of what the play is about. The film was also able to allow me to realize how Hedda’s intentions for marrying Mr. Tesman was not pure just by how she treated his Aunt Julie. The film was able to portray her attitude and snobby remarks about the hat towards Aunt Julie. Overall, I felt as though both the film and written versions of this play had their own unique qualities that were able to bring the characters to life.